
The Sanctified Life
September 28
We live in Christ. The word
reckon
used in the King James of Romans
6:11 is variously translated as "consider" (RSV, Moffatt, Amplified), "re-
gard" (Weymouth, NEB). The Good News Bible (TEV) reads "think of
yourselves as dead, so far as sin is concerned." The Greek word translated
"reckon" often means to "count something to be true because it is true."
The "old man" of sin, which Paul defines as the old sinful manner of
life, no longer controls the person who has accepted Christ as Saviour and
Lord. (See Rom. 6:6; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:1-10.) Even so, the born-again
believer remains a fallen human being with biases to evil that must be con-
tinually combatted through the power bestowed by Christ. (See Gal. 5:16-
19; 1 Cor. 9:27.)
Christ now reigns within. (See Col. 1:27). He occupies the throne; our
fallen humanity is reduced to helplessness by the indwelling power of
Jesus. As long as we allow Him to reign, we are no longer discouraged,
dismayed, or overcome. Our flesh is unholy (see
Selected Messages,
book
2, p. 32), and we will not be rid of this mortal burden until Jesus comes.
But we proceed as if it were so even now—overcoming and ignoring the
suggestions of the flesh—because the "new man," Christ Himself, is
living in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. (See Rom. 8:1-11.)
13. Because the process by which we grow spiritually never is fully
completed in this life, what absolutely essential role does Jesus
perform for our salvation? 1 Cor. 1:30, 31; Jer. 23:6 (compare
1 John 5:4, 5).
Christ our righteousness. "And while we cannot claim perfection of
the flesh, we may have Christian perfection of the soul. Through the sacri-
fice made in our behalf, sins may be perfectly forgiven. Our dependence is
not in what man can do; it is in what God can do for man through Christ.
When we surrender ourselves wholly to God, and fully believe, the blood
of Christ cleanses from all sin. The conscience can be freed from condem-
nation. Through faith in His blood, all may be made perfect in Christ Jesus.
Thank God that we are not dealing with impossibilities. We may claim
sanctification. We may enjoy the favor of God. We are not to be anxious
about what Christ and God think of us, but about what God thinks of
Christ, our Substitute. Ye are accepted in the Beloved. The Lord shows, to
the repenting, believing one, that Christ accepts the surrender of the soul,
to be molded and fashioned after His own
likeness."—Selected Messages,
book 2, pp. 32, 33. (See also
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 471,472.)
Why is it necessary to rely upon Christ's sanctification if in fact we
ourselves are being daily renewed or sanctified, that is, growing in
grace?
ASK YOURSELF:
•
What are the clearest evidences in my behavior that the process of
sanctification is being successfully conducted?
•
What are the evidences in my thoughts and behavior that the process
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